A specialbond New support and play group benefits members in a multitude of ways

September 01, 2006|KIM KILBRIDE Tribune Staff Writer

Rebecca Hall sauntered in the front door of the neat ranch-style home near Mishawaka and was greeted with a big hug from Marianna Teller. Hall asks how 18-month-old Andrew has been. "He's doing great. . Between no more vomiting and a new medicine, he's doing great," Teller says. Fondness and concern for each other's kids is common among the women in this new group for families with special-needs children. Since January, the moms have been visiting each other's homes nearly weekly, with kids in tow, for support, friendship and fun. And, they say, they'd love to have some new members. There are just two guidelines for participating. "No criticism," Teller said. "And, if your neighbor's dog's best friend is sick, don't come," she added with a laugh. For the moms of these boys with cerebral palsy and developmental and speech delays, the friendship of others with kids who have similar issues is comforting. "I thought I was the only one in the world going through what I was," Teller said. Lisa Braun, mother of 3-year-old Nathan, agreed. "It's difficult being (exclusively) with (families with) typically developing children," she said. . . "My other friends just don't understand." But, this group is different. It's a safe haven, the moms say. The women laugh and cry together. If one of their kids is having surgery, the others are always nearby. And, among other things, such as therapies and physicians, they discuss ongoing medical problems their children suffer from. For example, the kids all have or have had eating difficulties. "(In this group), we don't get suggestions like just give them Cheerios or pizza," Teller said of others who sometimes try to offer solutions to Andrew's unwillingness to eat. "That's what's nice about the girls," added Marisa Grover, the mom whose house near Mishawaka has become home base for the group. As Grover brought out brownies and other snacks, Teller walked Andrew across the living room, holding him up by his arms. All of the women praised the little boy, telling him how well he was doing at taking steps. Grover's son, 2-year-old J.R., meanwhile, sped around on his walker smiling charmingly at visitors and playing with the family cat. The play group benefits the kids by exposing them to others like themselves who are trying new things. "It's here that William stood for the first time," Hall said of her almost 2-year-old son. And, for the little ones, the advantages of this tight-knit little group go beyond the obvious. "They get happy mommies," Teller said, "which is always a good thing."Staff writer Kim Kilbride: kkilbride@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6554